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Using a water based lubricant can help reduce irritation that can trigger a herpes episode. To know more about tripping herpes triggers, watch this informative video.

Transcript: Once genital herpes is contracted it lives in the body forever-often lying dormant-but it can become...

Once genital herpes is contracted it lives in the body forever-often lying dormant-but it can become activated by certain triggers. While everyone's triggers vary, there are some common experiences that make herpes flare-up in many people. For example, some find that the friction of sex irritates the genital skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce this irritation, but DON'T use one that contains the spermacide nonoxynol-9. This ingredient can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the vagina, making symptoms worse. In addition, some people find that hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, can trigger outbreaks. And one of the most universal causes of herpes flare-ups is a weakened immune system, like in people suffering from colds.

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If you're not sure how to protect against HPV, watch this video to learn about the vaccine used to protect against certain strains of HPV.

Transcript: In 2006, the FDA approved Gardasil, the first vaccine to protect against certain strains of the human...

In 2006, the FDA approved Gardasil, the first vaccine to protect against certain strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Although there are over 100 strains of this virus, only about 40 are harmful. Gardasil protects against four specific strains of HPV, numbers 6 and 11, which cause 90 percent of genital warts cases, and numbers 16 and 18, which can lead to 70 percent of cervical cancers! Gardasil is approved for use in females between the ages of 9 and 26, although-since the virus is passed sexually-girls yet to have intercourse are the best candidates.

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Do you know the most common symptoms of trich? Do you know who is most likely to contract it? Learn more about trich symptoms from this video.

Transcript: Although men can be carriers of Trichomoniasis, or trich, it's women who experience symptoms after contracting...

Although men can be carriers of Trichomoniasis, or trich, it's women who experience symptoms after contracting the disease. The first sign of Trichomoniasis is watery, bubbly discharge that may be greenish or yellowish. Both itching and pain that occurs during urination or sex can also be signs of trich in women. These unpleasant symptoms are often the most apparent immediately after you have a period. Like other STDs, trich is contracted by having genital-to-genital sex with a person who's infected. Interestingly, Trichomoniasis is particularly common in women who have sex with women.

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The most common symptoms of trichomoniasis resemble other STD symptoms, with some notable exceptions. Watch for details.

Transcript: When a man contracts Trichomoniasis, he will usually be asymptomatic and unaware. If symptoms ARE present,...

When a man contracts Trichomoniasis, he will usually be asymptomatic and unaware. If symptoms ARE present, he may experience painful urination or whitish discharge from the penis. Women are symptomatic about 80 percent of the time, but this still means that one in five will have NO symptoms. Female Trichomoniasis may manifest as discomfort during intercourse, vaginal itching, and a pus-like, malodorous discharge that may be yellow or green. If a woman has symptoms of Trichomoniasis, or suspects she may have been exposed to the parasite, she should see her doctor for a pelvic examination and additional STD testing.

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In order to avoid gonorrhea symptoms, safe sex is highly recommended. Watch this video and find out some of the symptoms related with this disease.

Transcript: Eight out of ten women with gonorrhea have no symptoms. Women who ARE symptomatic may experience bleeding...

Eight out of ten women with gonorrhea have no symptoms. Women who ARE symptomatic may experience bleeding between periods, painful urination, or vaginal discharge. Conversely, nine out of ten men with the infection DO experience symptoms, including painful urination, penile discharge, or swollen testicles. Gonorrhea of the anus may show up as painful bowel movements, or bleeding from the anus. Meanwhile, gonorrhea of the throat occasionally manifests as soreness in this area. A person experiencing any of these symptoms should immediately see a doctor for a gonorrhea test.

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Curious as to what herpes is and how it affects your system? Watch this for a quick tip!

Transcript: Herpes simplex is a contagious viral infection that manifests as sores on the mouth or the genitals....

Herpes simplex is a contagious viral infection that manifests as sores on the mouth or the genitals. While outbreaks of the sores can be reduced, there is no cure for herpes. And though the virus is generally harmless, it causes embarrassment for those infected, and can increase susceptibility to other STDs like HIV. There are actually two strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 tends to lead to sores on the mouth and HSV-2 usually presents itself on the genitals, either strain can lead to either outbreak. That's because HSV-1 and HSV-2 are markedly similar, so a cold sore on the mouth can easily be spread to the genitals during oral sex, and vice versa. While herpes is generally thought of as a sexually-transmitted disease, this is not always the case. Up to 80 percent of the population is infected with oral herpes, and most of these contract the virus as children. That's because both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are spread by ANY physical contact. This can include touching, kissing, or sexual acts. The briefest of skin-to-skin contact can transmit herpes.

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Spotting herpes symptoms can be tricky sometimes. Would you be able to notice herpes symptoms if you had them? What if you had no symptoms? Check out this video for more information on herpes symptoms.

Transcript: Sometimes, herpes has no symptoms, which is why up to a third of people with the virus remain undiagnosed....

Sometimes, herpes has no symptoms, which is why up to a third of people with the virus remain undiagnosed. Remember that just because someone says they've never had a lesion doesn't mean they can't spread herpes! People with genital herpes who DO exhibit symptoms often notice small sores on the genitals, usually in a cluster. Other times, symptoms can be as subtle as a mild irritation. In an oral herpes outbreak, a cold sore, or "fever blister," will show up on the lips or around the mouth in a similar fashion. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, aches and pains, or a headache. Regardless of the location, a herpes outbreak tends to start with red, "tingly" skin. In a day or two, sores will appear, although most outbreaks will clear in one to two weeks.

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Can you have herpes without knowing it? Possible. Watch this video to learn more about how herpes are spread from person to person.

Transcript: herpes is that it's contagious, ALL of the time. This is vital, because some people mistakenly believe...

herpes is that it's contagious, ALL of the time. This is vital, because some people mistakenly believe that if they are not having an outbreak of sores that they cannot spread the virus. Ninety percent of people infected with the herpes virus are asymptomatic, and don't know they have herpes...yet still pass it to their partners. Herpes simplex is a virus that can be spread via the briefest of skin-to-skin contact. Kissing, oral or anal sex, touching with unwashed hands, and even sharing objects like drinking glasses and towels, can all spread the herpes virus. These high rates of asymptomatic herpes combined with the ease of spreading lead to the frequency with which genital herpes is found in the United States. While using a condom is a smart sexual practice, condoms do not necessarily protect against the spread of genital herpes. This is because the disease may be passed through contact with the thighs, pelvis and stomach.

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Did you know that women can pass herpes to their newborn during labor? See what preventive measures should be taken in this video on pregnancy and herpes

Transcript: Most doctors don't test for herpes (even during a standard STD test) unless you ask them to. A blood...

Most doctors don't test for herpes (even during a standard STD test) unless you ask them to. A blood test to determine if you are infected with the herpes virus, called a serology, is more accurate than the basic swab method. If you are considering pregnancy and do not know if you or your partner have been exposed to the herpes virus, it is especially important to find out if either of you is infected. That's because there is a chance that the active herpes virus can be passed to an infant during its trip through the birth canal. In some cases, your doctor may choose a cesarean section delivery to ensure that your baby is not infected. You may wonder why these precautions are necessary, since, while annoying and embarrassing, the herpes virus does not cause bodily harm beyond blisters. While this is true for you, newborn babies do not have the developed immune system that is needed to fight herpes simplex and may die if they contract the virus.

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If you've got an STD, you might wondering about what precautions to take when having sex with STDs. Watch this video for more information on keeping yourself and others safe during sex.

Transcript: If you DO decide to have sexual relations while infected with an STD, it is vital to use protection,...

If you DO decide to have sexual relations while infected with an STD, it is vital to use protection, EVERY TIME. Aside from abstinence, the only method that can help to protect against STD transmission is the male latex condom, or the female condom. While these methods will offer SOME protection against the transfer of STDs, realize that they are NOT 100 percent effective, and an infection can still be transferred while using them. STDs that have physical symptoms, such as genital warts and herpes, are much more likely to be spread when a person is having an outbreak. For this reason, you might want to stick to cuddling when you're experiencing STD lesions. But as with all STDs, those that produce lesions can be infectious, even when an outbreak is not present. ... yet another good case for using a condom! If you're one of the millions of Americans living with an STD, you may find it helpful to reach out to a support group in your area. Individual and couples counseling may also help. Living with an STD can be frustrating, but it does not have to stop you from having a healthy, fulfilling sex life. Remember to talk to your doctor AND your partner about the best way to prevent transmitting STDs.

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HIV is found in various body fluids and may spread through sexual intercourse, breastfeeding, and drug use. Learn more about how HIV is spread in this video.

Transcript: Before HIV can attack, it has to get in. HIV lives in bodily fluids like semen, vaginal secretions, blood,...

Before HIV can attack, it has to get in. HIV lives in bodily fluids like semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and breast milk. A person who carries HIV can pass it to another through any of these, usually via sexual intercourse, breastfeeding, or the sharing of drug paraphernalia. Rarely, a person will contract HIV through blood transfusions. And while it is highly unlikely for people to acquire HIV through saliva, it is possible to pass it through oral sex. Once the virus is transferred, it attaches to its new host body's sex, or T-cells, which are integral parts of the immune system. Inside the T-cell, HIV literally changes to become part of the body's DNA, or genetic code. At this point, the body will be forced to produce the virus.

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Would you know the early signs of HIV if you experienced them? Check out this video to learn more about early HIV symptoms.

Transcript: During the first days and weeks after a person is infected with HIV, he or she may experience flu-like...

During the first days and weeks after a person is infected with HIV, he or she may experience flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms generally disappear without treatment. But, as the body is forced to create new HIV cells, the immune system gets weaker, a progression that can take from several months to more than ten years. Eventually, untreated HIV leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The name is appropriate: Acquired means to obtain an infection. Immune deficiency refers to weakness in the immune system, and syndrome is a group of problems that comprise a disease.